Clean Energy FAQ

What do these measures do?

These measures will transition Oregon off dirty coal power, replacing it with clean, renewable energy, create local jobs and make Oregon a national leader in clean energy innovation

Where does Oregon get our electricity, now?

You may be surprised to learn that Oregon gets one-third of its power from coal-burning power plants. For some customers, two-thirds of their power comes from dirty coal.

How do these measures make sure we’ll get clean energy?

These measures will require large utilities in Oregon like PGE, Pacific Power and EWEB to gradually transition away from coal power as a source of electricity by 2030. Over the next 25 years, Oregon will double its commitment to clean, renewable energy. When combined with Oregon’s existing hydro power, this means Oregon will get 90% clean, renewable electricity by 2040!

Why transition to clean energy?

Here are three great reasons to support the transition to a clean energy future:

Your health and the health of your children: Pollution from burning coal contaminates the air and is a leading cause of global warming. Rising temperatures increase visits to the ER, make lung diseases like asthma worse and affect heart health. Developing a clean energy economy now will preserve a clean air future for our kids - protecting their health for generations to come.

Real jobs for real Oregonians: Investing in clean energy will create demand for good-paying jobs with benefits, like engineers, secretaries and construction workers. These are jobs that can’t be outsourced because the work will be done here at home.

Lower bills for you and your community: Our economic modeling shows that transitioning from coal to renewables will lower utility bills by as much as 5.3% by 2040, providing relief for Oregonians across the state.

How will this affect my electricity bill?

In the long run, transitioning to clean energy will actually lower the cost of energy for consumers. Prices for wind and solar have dropped to all-time lows and experts expect prices for wind, solar, and other renewables to keep declining well into the future. At the same time, coal has become increasingly financially risky.

Many things can raise or lower the rates we pay for electricity over 30 years, but our economic modeling shows that transitioning from coal to renewables will lower utility bills by up to 5.3% by 2040.

Who’s in favor of the Clean Energy, Clean Air measures?

Business leaders, health advocates and communities across the state are working together to make Oregon a leader in clean energy innovation and to promote a more prosperous state. We’re standing with healthcare professionals, farmers, people of faith, parents, union members, communities of color, young activists and elders, artists and entrepreneurs – the people who make Oregon great. Together, we will secure healthier communities and a thriving economy for all.